The 2025 Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use Record

It’s that point of yr once more. Except, this time, I’m publishing this at a helpful time of yr, quite than the final day of the yr. Given all the brand new units we’ve had come out throughout 2025, I figured there are sufficient new issues to get this out the door. Plus, we’re in a little bit of a lull (the attention of the hurricane if you’ll), between the busy spring releases and the even busier fall releases.

But extra critically, we’ve had numerous actually good new merchandise come out from numerous firms in 2025 to this point. Garmin, Wahoo, Polar, Suunto, DJI, Favero, and extra have all put out strong new merchandise in lots of classes this calendar yr. Plus, others I’m forgetting, and in some instances, firms like COROS, Apple, and extra placing out notable firmware updates.

Still, as I all the time be aware although, I’m not an individual of change. At least with regards to most of my gear. For instance, my working gloves are nonetheless from the Philly marathon expo some 17 years in the past, and my swimsuit is no matter I discovered in my dresser that doesn’t seem like absolutely see-through.

Of course, the tech does change. Not essentially as a result of it wants to alter, however largely as a result of it’s what I do as my job. And when you improve to check one thing, it’s actually onerous to downgrade again to an ‘older’ product normally. At least for watches and bike computer systems; for trainers and energy meters, it’s much less of a problem.

Nonetheless, I do know loads of you need to know what gear I exploit. Thus, I current you with a boatload of hyperlinks. And whereas there’s numerous gear right here (as a result of I’m masking three sports activities by way of triathlon), I believe you’ll discover I’m really fairly easy with regards to most of my gear (tech goodies apart). And this gear is constructed up over greater than 15 years.

I’ve divided it up into the three principal sports activities (swim/bike/run), plus a random part on the finish. I’m usually not one to purchase the most costly piece of modern stuff. I simply purchase what works for me.

There’s additionally, The Girl’s 2024 ‘Gear I use’ Guide (my spouse) up as effectively from December (for these searching for a extra women-oriented view of the same set of coaching gear – and undoubtedly, a extra modern view than mine). Though, I can merely say upfront that nothing has modified from that checklist.

Also be aware: Please don’t take any of those as formal ‘gadget recommendations’, these are simply the merchandise that work for me. Finally, except famous in any other case, all of those are gadgets I purchased myself. As has been the case for the previous few years, Precision Fuel & Hydration is a sponsor on the location/podcast/YouTube, and naturally, Ciovita makes the DC Rainmaker Kit. And HJC for helmets. Canyon is a brand new accomplice from final fall, the place they supply loaner bikes so I’ve sufficient of the numerous/completely different bikes/parts to check units on. To be clear: I’m not reviewing any of those bikes. Note that I’ve additionally bought a bunch of Canyon bikes over the past near-decade, which you’ll see beneath famous accordingly. Got all that? Good!

Swimming (Pool/Openwater):

I recognize that swimming is the best and shortest class right here. Swimsuit, goggles, and if openwater swimming – a swim buoy. Oh, and a watch. Maybe three watches. But on the entire, every thing mainly matches in an previous crumpled-up swim cap from a previous race. In my case, I are inclined to do extra openwater swimming than pool swimming. Especially after the transfer to Mallorca, the place stunning openwater swim bays are a 2-minute pedal away.

	Product	Amazon	Other	Note
	Decathlon Boxer Swim Short		Decathlon	You know why that is my swim go well with? Because I all the time overlook mine on journeys, and this may be discovered for $5-$10, and works completely positive.
	Openwater Swim Buoy	Amazon		Always openwater swim with a swim buoy. Always. First, it makes it so boats see me. Second, it gives a spot to stash my telephone/keys/garments and even sandles. No, you do not really feel it behind you. Works nice!
	Speedo Vanquisher Swim Goggle	Amazon		It’s a goggle. It’s what was out there after I misplaced my earlier goggles that I really appreciated. Sigh.

Some will ask why not the FORM Swim goggles (even the brand new Pro ones launched simply final week)? Simply put – whereas I believe the tech facet of the unit is excellent, and super-well executed (particularly the brand new teaching modes), I simply can’t get previous the restricted facet peripheral imaginative and prescient visibility of the goggles for openwater swims, which is what I do essentially the most. I’ll be aware nonetheless, that for pool swims I do take pleasure in them, and it’s my spouse’s principal goggle lately for pool swims (she places in additional pool swim time, whereas I are inclined to put in additional openwater time).

Cycling:

This class is kinda messy. Mainly as a result of I’m near-constantly testing new trainers, indoor bikes, and so on… (particularly as these launch cycles have slowly transitioned from being fall-centric to being “anytime”). So it’s really comparatively uncommon that I cease and don’t have one thing to check. That stated, there are some things which are my go-to items, listed beneath.

As famous above, as for bikes, I personal/purchased the Urban Arrow cargo bike, in addition to my Canyon mountain bike. I additionally personal an older Grail (the double-handlebar one), in addition to an older Canyon highway bike that I’ve principally parted out. The highway/gravel/commuter bikes listed beneath are on mortgage from Canyon (and, I like them).

Changes from final yr: Switched over to Aeroad as principal highway bike from Endurace, added Canyon tri bike (have some races deliberate for the autumn there). Switched to utilizing the Edge 1050 as my default bike pc, although each experience this winter has had a Wahoo, COROS, and Garmin bike pc on my handlebars concurrently. For energy meters, I’ve principally simply settled on the Favero MX Pro & RS Pro items. I’ve Rally on my triathlon bike, however primarily it’s cheaper for me to maintain shopping for additional Favero pedal units than Garmin ones, they usually work equally as effectively…so…appears apparent to me.

	Product	Amazon	Other	Note
	Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 AXS SPEED		Canyon	I used to be principally utilizing the Canyon Endurance all final fall and most of this winter, although, switched late spring to this Aeroad after placing on the brand new SRAM FORCE AXS on it, together with the brand new SRAM/Zipp wheels which have tire stress sensors in them (Zipp 303SW). I am unable to discover a precise reference pic on Canyon’s website, so this is my precise photograph of my precise bike.
	Canyon Endurace CFR Di2		Canyon	It would possibly shock a few of you that I’d go along with a Shimano-equipped groupset (and energy meter) on this bike, however finally a part of my job is validating each main groupset gamers work throughout numerous units, particularly as bike GPS firms develop options in these realms (just like the bike bell). In the case of this bike although, been extraordinarily pleased with it, and once more, I’m a sucker for inner spare tube/instruments/CO2 (trigger I’m horrible at remembering to place saddle baggage on).
	Canyon Exceed CF SL 5.0 (Mountain Bike)		Canyon	When I purchased this bike years in the past, I stored all of the parts principally as-is. However, I did make a enjoyable energy meter venture for it. It’s really a SRAM/Quarq XX1 spider/crankset, with then a 4iiii dual-sided Precision energy meter constructed atop it. Let’s me check different pedal primarily based energy meters with it and have a number of references.
	Canyon Grail CFR XPLR		Canyon	I used to be using a special SRAM RED XPLR check bike a lot of the summer time, after which swapped into this Canyon one to check again in late summer time. Love it, particularly because the gravel terrain right here in Mallorca that is a bit extra spicy than most gravel. More than something although, I identical to backup inner storage for instruments, spares, and so on… (plus my added baggage for storing different goodies). I additionally used this bike for my week-long experience throughout Morocco too.
	Canyon Precede:On Comfort 7 (Commuter e-Bike)	Amazon		I’ve gone from one excessive to a different: The pancake flats of Amsterdam, to a 17% incline to get dwelling every day. On a highway/gravel bike, that is “fun”, however if you’re simply attempting to go to the grocery retailer, it kinda sucks. We have one automobile, so we’re attempting out these Canyon as a automobile substitute answer – and to date, it is working fairly effectively. Even took it on a 35KM shopping center journey a number of days in the past. Have them kitted out with two pannier baggage every. Further, they function excellent ‘visitor bikes’ for guests to the home (notably our older dad and mom).
	Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8 AXS (Triathlon Bike)		Canyon	I lastly retired the decade-old Cervelo this previous winter, and converted to this, although, you most likely have not seen a ton of photographs on it, because the tri facet of my schedule is not until later this fall, and with testing bike GPS items, it is frankly only a lot simpler to do on a highway bike handlebar. Though, I’ve been utilizing this bike for energy meter and coach accuracy testing this winter. Either method, enjoyable stuff to come back!
	DC Rainmaker Cargo Bib Shorts		Ciovita	Certainly, the DCR bibs are superior, however extra critically, the cargo bib model is extra superior, as a result of I can carry 1-2 drones in it, and/or 2-4 motion cameras. Plus vitamin. Even 1/third a baguette.
	DC Rainmaker Race Fit Jersey (Men’s)		Ciovita	Obviously, that is superior. Wouldn’t have it another method! You can also be a part of Team Awesome (using or working, sorry, no swimsuit but) by way of the hyperlink at left.
	EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro	Amazon		I picked this up a few yr in the past, and it is gotten far more use than I anticipated this yr. I’ve taken highway bikes, tri bikes, gravel bikes…you title it. My earlier bike case lastly died after greater than 12-13 years of journey. Overall I like the EVOC case, nonetheless, the one draw back is that it would not match throughout the backseat of most European vehicles, that means you must plan a bit extra forward for which actual rental automobile you will get (or Uber/Taxi).
	Favero Assioma Pro MX Pedals (Dual)	Amazon		These have principally turn into my defacto gravel pedals, and likewise get used on numerous different comparability testing.
	Favero Assioma Pro RS (SPD-SL) Power Meter Pedals	Amazon		I’ve largely switched to utilizing a number of units of those as my principal highway pedal, in addition to energy comparability check/reference pedal set. While the Garmin Rally’s are simply nearly as good, finally, these are merely cheaper for me to purchase a number of units for all my check bikes/indoor bikes/and so on…
	Fizik Tempo Overcurve R4 Road Cycling Shoe	Amazon		I began with the Fizik line numerous years in the past for a MTB shoe, after which ultimately outfitted my full fleet of biking footwear with them. Also, I purchase completely different coloured ones for various cleat sorts, so I can hold monitor of which footwear I seize (since I’ve no less than one pair of footwear for every cleat sort for various pedal programs I check with).
	Fizik X5 Terra (MTB/Gravel Cycling Shoe)	Amazon		I began my Fizik assortment right here with these MTB ones for MTB/Gravel utilization, earlier than increasing to the highway facet. They work effectively for me and are normally moderately priced.
	Garmin Edge 1050	Amazon
	HJC IBEX 3 (Road) & HJC Bellus (Gravel)		Hjcsports	We parnered with HJC this previous winter for helmets, and I exploit the Bellus for gravel (MT Brown Navy version), and the IBEX 3 for highway (MT GL Gold Black). They work nice. Their helmet packing containers say “For the moment”, which my children helpfully accomplished with “…you crash and hit your head”. Thanks ladies…
	Urban Arrow Family Performance (Cargo Bike)		Urbanarrow	There’s nearly nothing extra necessary to our household than this cargo bike. Literally, when residing in Amsterdam, it made our world go ‘spherical. I purchased this one in Dec 2020, although we even have a second one from a number of years prior. We love each, they usually acted as a whole automobile replacements for us.

In phrases of different odds and ends individuals would possibly ask questions on:

Speed/Cadence sensors: I don’t use these anymore, as nearly all energy meters do cadence now built-in, and from a velocity sensor standpoint, GPS accuracy is just adequate that it’s simply not required in any state of affairs I usually experience.

Trainer Apps: Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Peloton are the principle three I have a tendency to make use of essentially the most. I pay for subscriptions to all of those (and numerous different platforms for testing, together with Rouvy, FulGaz, Xert, and the Tacx App). But the aforementioned three are what I primarily use, with Zwift and TrainerRoad being the majority of it.

Training Logs: Strava and TrainingPeaks: I exploit Strava as my ‘public’ exercise feed (after I bear in mind to toggle it from non-public to public), and I exploit TrainingPeaks as my non-public coaching log.

Trainers: For this previous winter, I put in a crapton of indoor coaching miles, but it surely’s been on all assortment of check items. Muov bike, Elite Justo 2, Elite Avanti, Elite Direto XR with Cog, Tacx NEO 3M, Tacx NEO 2T, Elite Square, JetBlack Victory, and so on… So, kinda onerous to say any one in every of them was ‘mine’ when it comes to being what I used to be defaulting again to.

Running:

At least working doesn’t contain new bikes or trainers. Not a lot has modified right here this yr, after switching to Hokas final yr. As all the time, I do know nothing about footwear. I let sensible shoe individuals inform me what to do. In the case of the Hokas, I examined a boatload of footwear one morning final winter at our local running shoe shop utilizing a elaborate force-plate system, and these two Hokas had the most effective numbers mixed with the most effective really feel. Love them.

I spend roughly an equal period of time highway working as path working. Our trails listed below are fairly dry more often than not, although tremendous rocky in most locations.

	Product	Amazon	Other	Note
	ASICS Men’s Thermopolis Winter Running Tights	Amazon		Look, like most of my clothes decisions, it’s typically simply what I occur to seek out out there at a working store. That was the case right here. My earlier Sugoi ones had been getting a bit tattered, however I used to be headed on a visit to the Arctic Circle that yr, so I desperately wanted new working tights, and this was what my native working store had that I attempted on and appreciated. I do very very similar to them, however my analysis is hardly intensive right here. Also, I can’t determine the precise mannequin that it’s. It simply says H1 on it, however nothing else.
	Balega Comfort socks	Amazon		I’ve used these socks for no less than 10-12 years now. I imply, not the identical pair, however new pairs. Love them, will not change ever. Probably.
	CamelBak Marathoner	Amazon		I’ve used this for a decade as effectively (appears to be the overall theme right here). Albeit, I did have to purchase some random Decathlon one lately for a visit after I forgot this one. And, a Walmart one after I wanted one on a latest journey (Ozark home model). Both work nice. Either method, they not make the Marathoner, however the linked one is close to an identical.
	DC Rainmaker Running T-Shirt		Ciovita	I’m tremendous pleased with this design, and it appears a boatload of you’re as effectively. And from a material standpoint, it is a very light-weight material that dries actually shortly out within the solar after a sweaty run.
	Hoka Mach 6	Amazon		This is the newest Hoka variant I swithced to from the X3 I had beforehand. Works for me, could or could not be just right for you.
	Saucony Xodus Ultra 3	Amazon		I used to be utilizing the Saucony Switchback 2’s beforehand, however then sadly these had been discontinued, so this was the following smartest thing. Been excellent for all my path adventures the previous few months.

And then, a number of different issues that aren’t model/mannequin particular:

Running Shorts: This is a fairly random assortment of working shorts, some Nike, some Decathlon, some nonetheless within the laundry machine. I’m not specific, however I do want a pocket or two to stash issues. I’d really say my favourite working shorts are the Whoop ones, although, I by no means trouble to place the Whoop sensor pod in there. Instead, I like them just because they’ve actually good deep/tight pockets that may simply maintain a telephone every, with out it ever flying out.

Cold Weather Running Top: I don’t have a selected high I exploit, quite, I are inclined to layer bits and items collectively. Here’s an older submit on all my cold-weather working ideas. Plus, I didn’t want a cold-weather working high in Mallorca this winter. 🙂

Cold Weather Running Gloves: $1.00 race expo gloves – That’s it.  It’s straightforward.  I nearly by no means throw them away, I really feel responsible.  So I exploit a number of rotating pairs, all from expos – some even free!  I’ve bought a pair of no-brand mittens that I toss on if the climate is super-cold, however like working tops in chilly climate, you’d be stunned what your physique is ok with as soon as it’s up to the mark.  All you people in Minnesota although shouldn’t adhere to this part.  Just go to the Arctic part of REI as a substitute. Again, that is actually provided that I journey within the winter to someplace that’s chilly. But truthfully, that’s kinda the purpose of shifting to Mallorca – keep away from that complete chilly climate factor.

Running headphones/music: I very hardly ever run (or experience) with music. I suppose if I had been to, in the meanwhile it’d most likely be my AirPod Pro 2 headphones, however I actually solely run with music if I would like to check a selected music/and so on characteristic on a watch…as has been the case a ton the previous few weeks.

Got all that? Good, onto the ‘everything’ bucket.

The Crossover & Random Category:

I stashed the watch on this class, that method you didn’t need to see it 3 times above. Plus, this additionally consists of issues I exploit throughout extra sports activities.  Obviously, there’s extra gear. For instance, right here’s my lately up to date images/digital camera gear submit. However, listed below are a number of different mostly-tech issues that I exploit day-to-day. From motion cameras to drones, and clearly, the pizza oven.

Changes from final yr: Only a slight very latest change to utilizing the Mavic 4 Pro vs the Mavic 3 Pro for fairly photographs on trip/and so on…

	Product	Amazon	Other	Note
	Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black	Amazon		I’ve had this on my left wrist since final fall, with a Garmin Fenix 8/one thing normally on the opposite. I’m all the time testing different watches in fact, so issues float out and in.
	DJI Mavic 3 Pro	Amazon		While I exploit the DJI Mini 3/4 for motion photographs, I even have the Mavic 3 Pro I have a tendency to make use of for photographs the place I would like/want the zoom lens. So extra for fairly trip photographs, however even simply individuals photographs from a distance. I picked up the Mavic 4 Pro again in May, and have principally been utilizing that since for fairly photographs too. Eventually I’ll get round to promoting off the Mavic 3 (anybody in Amsterdam or Mallorca desire a whole lot on it)?
	DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC2	Amazon		The Mini sequence has been my go-to drone for years, with the DJI Mini 3 Pro the majority of the previous yr, and now the Mini 4 Pro. Having the complete impediment avoidance is tremendous useful for all of the silly stuff I do. It’s what I are inclined to take for longer treks with extra epic surroundings views, or situations the place I would like increased speeds than the Hover X1.
	Garmin Fenix 8 Series	Amazon		While there’s been a ton of different Garmin watches in the previous few months that’d have come out (FR970, Venu X1, and so on…), finally, when all of the mud from these critiques settle, I’ll be again on my Fenix 8, as I used to be a lot of the yr. While I like these watches, the battery life hits are simply an excessive amount of for me and the way a lot GPS time I exploit the watches for every day.
	Garmin Index S2 WiFi Scale	Amazon		I merely use this for loosely monitoring weight. I don’t take a look at the physique fats stats, as like {most electrical} impedance scales, they aren’t tremendous correct. But weight is, and that’s all I (faux) to care about.
	GoPro Hero 13 Black	Amazon		I’ve lengthy used GoPro motion cameras as my principal go-to motion cam, and the Hero 13 has taken that spot since later summer time. I can rely on the standard being spot-on, and the GoPro Cloud backup for all my footage.
	HoverAir X1 Drone	Amazon		This has turn into my go-to drone for working, particularly path working, in addition to slower velocity biking stuff (e.g. gravel, some MTB, and so on…). I’ve crashed it no less than 100 instances, and it nonetheless retains on ticking! While I do use the Hover X1 Pro and the DJI NEO every so often, I discover the OG X1 merely works extra persistently.
	Insta360 Ace Pro 2	Amazon		I’ve been utilizing the Insta360 Ace Pro 1 (and now 2) over the past yr with their sports activities knowledge from Garmin/Apple/and so on overlay characteristic being my favourite bit of their cameras. Thus, if I would like to point out velocity/energy/and so on, I’ll most likely attain for this. Or, particularly low-light footage.
	Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine	Amazon		Look, this place doesn’t run itself. Without this espresso machine, you’d be getting a fraction of the critiques posted. All nighters for large product launch weeks require cautious planning, which I lack. Thus, caffeine will do as a substitute.
	Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Portable Pizza Oven	Amazon		I do know, I do know, I nonetheless owe everybody a evaluate. Nonetheless, 2+ years later, I like this factor. We use it for greater than pizza too, notably steaks (to get a extremely crispy sear). But numerous pizza. It’s fully transportable, even simply becoming on our cargo bike. Note that I went with this mannequin, the most affordable one they make, as I spotted that purchasing the higher-end fashions that help fuel did not make a lot sense for me. I’ve a fuel grill already (and will simply simply put a stone on it). Similarly, whereas a big 16″ is appealing, realistically I’ve found this 12″ greater than sufficient for fairly substantial private pizzas (and it makes it simpler to deal with).
	Optimum Nutrition: Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder	Amazon		I’ve gotten into doing restoration drinks this yr, although principally just for mid to longer (many hours) exercises. I do know, I ought to do it for all exercises, however I normally overlook.
	Precision Hydration Electrolyte Drink Mix -1500	Amazon		I’ll use this on hotter days for mountain climbing and biking.
	Precision Hydration Gels	Amazon	Precisionhydration	I exploit each the 30g and 90g variants of those, however primarily want the 90g variants, just so I haven’t got to have as many issues floating round. I shoot for 90g/hour on longer adventures.

Note: Amazon hyperlinks are a part of the Amazon associates program, for which I could earn a fee for free of charge to you – and naturally, that helps help the location a bunch.

With that, thanks for studying, and once more, these aren’t essentially the most effective merchandise in every class – it’s merely what I purchased with both zero analysis, or just a little little bit of analysis.